Neck pain is a common symptom people experience throughout their lifespan. It is especially common among office workers, manual labourers, weekend warriors, and those with poor sleep habits. This neck pain can often feel achy, stiff and tight, with reduced neck range of motion.
Similar to low back pain, neck pain may sometimes be associated with reduced joint movement. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve joint movement and may also improve pain, sleep, mood, and quality of life (1,2).
Headaches can often be associated with neck pain. Some types of headaches are serious and may require immediate medical attention, while others can be caused by more common causes such as muscle tension or irritation of joints in the neck.
What does a chiropractic examination look like?
After a thorough history, our chiropractors perform a comprehensive physical exam including neurological testing, muscle testing and more. Loose clothing is suggested as you will be asked to move around in different positions. One of the goals of the exam is to recreate your pain within the clinic, as this helps the chiropractor understand what might be the origin of your pain.
If it is something your chiropractor believes they can help with, they will suggest a treatment plan individualized to the patient’s conditions and needs. If it is deemed to be a condition outside of the chiropractic scope, they will provide guidance on potential next steps, resources and referrals outside of the clinic as necessary.
What does a chiropractic treatment look like?
After your chiropractor completes an assessment, they will develop an individualized treatment plan. Often a chiropractic treatment includes chiropractic adjustments. To help improve joint movement, chiropractors may perform a chiropractic adjustment directed towards the area of restricted joint movement. This is a highly specialized maneuver that involves a controlled, quick thrust to the identified area.
Other forms of treatment may include individualized exercise plans, ergonomics advice, reassurance and education. Risks are discussed and consent is obtained before providing any treatments.
What is the cracking sound?
The “cracking” sound, known as a cavitation, may be heard following a chiropractic adjustment. The sound is not necessary to achieve the desired effect, but it is commonly heard.
This sound is thought to happen due to small bubbles forming in the joint fluid when there is a quick change in pressure. It is similar to the fizzing sound heard when opening a carbonated drink as the pressure suddenly changes.
Talk to a chiropractor in Etobicoke
Chiropractic on Royal York is at 1527 Royal York Rd. in Etobicoke. If neck pain is limiting what you can do, book an assessment online with Dr. Alex or call the clinic at (416)-248-4222.
New to chiropractic? What to expect at your first appointment covers the appointment step by step. You can also read more about our Etobicoke clinic.
References
- Anderst WJ, Gale T, LeVasseur C, Raj S, Gongaware K, Schneider M. Intervertebral kinematics of the cervical spine before, during, and after high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation. Spine J. 2018;18(12):2333-2342. doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2018.07.026.
- Haavik H, Niazi IK, Amjad I, Kumari N, Ghani U, Ashfaque M, et al. Neuroplastic responses to chiropractic care: broad impacts on pain, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Brain Sci. 2024;14(11):1124. doi:10.3390/brainsci14111124.
This article is general information about neck pain. It is not a substitute for an assessment, diagnosis, or treatment advice for your own situation.